Problems with tow hitch bike carrier

MorganIRL

Hi. I have a 2 bike tow hitch bike carrier from Mont Blanc. The problem I have is it moves around on the ball of the hitch when loaded. As a result (today) 1st time with 2 bikes 1 of the handles has scratched the rear window (jeep). Has anyone any suggestions to stop it moving on ball. Fine and sturdy besides. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Zen0

I have a Thule three bike tow hitch carrier, and when it is on correctly, you could jump up and down on it and it wouldn't move. There are two possibilities here, either there is a design flaw in your carrier, or you're not putting it on right. If the former, I can do nothing for you, so let's look at the options of it's the latter.

When you have the carrier on and you think it's tightened, try moving it around. If you find a loose spot, hold it there, and tighten some more. I assume the carrier came with some sort of tightening spanner/bar. Use it, and give it some wellie when tightening.

MorganIRL

It doesn't have a tightening wrench or anything. You just close it like a scissors on ball then lock it in place. Doesn't seem to be a way to tighten on. I've being looking for something like a stabilising arm but can't seem to find one online

Zen0

Sounds like it's not tightening enough. I wonder could you use something almost like a shim to make it tighter. If you were to use something like an old desert spoon taped to the ball, would it be tighter?

MorganIRL

U see that's why I love these forums. People's ingenuity. I guess I'll be robbing 2 dessert spoons in the nxt restaurant. But that's what I'm looking for. I'll give it a go. Thks for ur help.

Seaswimmer

Could be your towbar is not completely symmetrical. I had the exact same issue however it was fine on my fathers towbar and loose on mine. I lived with it. I would always put a cloth over any part of the bike likely to touch the car.